Archive By Section - Local

Despite the rain on Sunday, hundreds of people from near and far made their way to Turlock Seventh-day Adventist Church to browse among mountains of gently used or new children's clothing during God's Closet's first Free Shop Day Event.

Although Turlock resident and Letters to Santa Charity president Justin Crone looks nothing like Santa Claus, he and Jolly Old Saint Nicholas have at least one thing in common: their desire to keep the magic of Christmas alive by making sure every child has a present to open on Christmas Day.

Since its development began at the start of the new millennium, Turlockers have known Monte Vista Crossings as the city's shopping epicenter. From pet stores to drive through restaurants, nearly two decades of growth have brought over 50 businesses and extraordinary revenue to Turlock, making Monte Vista Crossings one of the top five largest open air shopping centers on the West Coast.

Emanuel Medical Center has received a 2016 National Philanthropy Day award from the Yosemite Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for its charitable contributions to the community. The hospital, which was nominated for the award by California State University, Stanislaus, was named Outstanding Corporate orSmall Business Donor in Philanthropy.

Big box department stores reap the benefits of Black Friday annually, but Turlock residents hit the aisles and racks of local stores just as eagerly the following day for Small Business Saturday - a day to celebrate and support locally-owned and operated businesses.

Andrew "AJ" Perez has wanted to attend a Notre Dame football game since he was six years old. This previous weekend, that long-awaited dream became a reality thanks to Make-A-Wish, who granted the 13-year-old's wish to see the Fighting Irish in Indiana.

The American Farm Bureau Federation's 31st annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year's feast for 10 is $49.87, a 24-cent decrease from last year's average of $50.11.

The holidays are a season full of giving, and since 1982 the Turlock Christmas CanTree Project has contributed to the city's efforts of making a difference for those in need through its annual breakfast fundraiser.